With the recent economic crisis, the trickle-down effect from Wall Street to Main Street has been all the talk. So, what about the impact on the street where you might want to rent? Unpredictability in the stock market has produced unpredictability in the local rental market, according to Boston-area agents, but generally rents are up and inventory is down (in part because fewer people are buying). Here's how to score a great deal in these uncertain times.

– Shira Springer